Locations
The workshop is part of the Government of Japan-funded Strengthening Legislatures in Pacific Island Countries (SLIP II) project.
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia – Three Pacific Island Countries, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Marshall Islands, Palau, with facilitators from Fiji, Tonga, and United States, have joined forces to strengthen parliamentary budget oversight at a UNDP-hosted workshop in Pohnpei.
The workshop is part of the Government of Japan-funded Strengthening Legislatures in Pacific Island Countries (SLIP II) project, which enhances Pacific parliaments' effectiveness through capacity building and improved oversight.
Legislatures play a critical role in ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently and transparently. However, those within the North Pacific often lack the required resources and technical expertise to perform their duties accordingly. A preliminary assessment revealed a strong interest among legislative staff for capacity building in budget analysis and fiscal oversight, with the workshop tailored to address budget processes, cycles, and promote transparency and accountability.
Japan’s Ambassador to the FSM, HE Nobuo Kagomiya, said:
“Your expertise, efforts, and contributions are crucial to the prosperity of your nations. We look forward to strengthening our friendship through this process.”
Participants of the workshop comprised members of three Pacific Island Countries – the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Marshall Islands, Palau, with facilitators from Fiji, Tonga, and United States
As part of the workshop’s broader objectives, participants also worked towards establishing a collaborative network for legislative budget staff across the North Pacific. This network will foster ongoing knowledge sharing and provide a platform for addressing region-specific challenges.
Deputy Legislative Counsel of the Chuuk Legislature, Ken Uehara, stressed the importance of understanding different budgeting processes and how they reflect each state’s unique priorities.
“Throughout this workshop, I learned more about the similarities and differences between state budgeting processes and our own in Chuuk. It was particularly interesting to see how each approach aligns with the priorities of its respective state,” he stated.
Participants demonstrated strengthened capabilities in assessing budget proposals, identifying cost-savings, and aligning funds with legislative priorities and development goals. The workshop also laid the groundwork for further collaboration at a Fiscal Oversight Conference planned for May 2025.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific, Kevin Petrini, underscored the role of strong governance and transparent budgeting in achieving sustainable development.
“Government budgets are more than numbers—they reflect society’s priorities. Ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending is essential for real impact,” he said.
This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader commitment to strengthening governance in the Pacific. Future collaborations, including the upcoming Fiscal Oversight Conference in May 2025, will continue to advance legislative capacity and accountability across the region.
For more information, please contact:
Heidi Floyd | Project Analyst, Pacific Parliamentary Development Portfolio | heidi.floyd@undp.org
